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The Signature of All Things

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The Signature of All Things

By: Elizabeth Gilbert
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert, read by Juliet Stevenson.

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SHORTLISTED FOR THE WELLCOME BOOK PRIZE
LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILEYS WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION
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'Quite simply one of the best novels I have read in years' – Elizabeth Day, Observer

'Charming . . . extensively researched, compellingly readable' – Jane Shilling, Daily Telegraph

'Sumptuous . . . Gilbert's prose is by turns flinty, funny, and incandescent' – New Yorker
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A captivating story of botany, exploration and desire, by the multimillion copy bestselling author of Eat Pray Love

Everything about life intrigues Alma Whittaker. Her passion for botany leads her far from home, from London to Peru to Tahiti, in pursuit of that rare specimen: knowledge. But as her careful studies draw her deeper into the mysteries of evolution, she meets the man who she will come to love – whose perspective, radically different from her own, will transform the way she understands the world.

Radiating with all the heart, soul and earthiness as its unforgettable heroine, The Signature of All Things is a captivating celebration of the workings of this world, and the mechanisms behind all life.
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'My own 500-pager of choice? Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of All Things . . . just read it . . . Hugely enjoyable' – Viv Groskop, Observer Books of the Year
'The story of Alma Whittaker’s journey of discovery has irresistible momentum' – Helen Dunmore, The Times
'Gilbert has written the novel of a lifetime' – O, The Oprah Magazine
'Filled with dazzling storytelling' – Susie Boyt, Financial Times
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©2013 Elizabeth Gilbert (P)2013 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group US
Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

What listeners say about The Signature of All Things

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Exquisite

I cried when it finished for I will mourn these marvellous characters. Thank you Elizabeth Gilbert for bringing this into the world.

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loved the story and depth of characters, what a life

the characters were so well described and performed I was there with them. an extroidinary life lived by an extroidinary character. always remember to have some thing stashed away to pay someone off. love

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Q story for our time.

A multilayered story revealing multi faceted and gentle wisdom. The reader performed the story well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful story beautifully written

Loved all of this . So original and captivating. I wanted to know and befriend the heroine

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Highly recommended

Gilbert’s rich storytelling offers a detailed text which spans the lifetime of a single characater. Juliet Stevenson’s narration is masterful and brings such nuance to a potentially unwieldy narrative. Thoroughly enjoyed experiencing this as an audio book as the characters are brought to life so beautifully. Highly recommended.

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What a wonderful journey with Alma

Liz Gilbert you are truly touched by a genie.
Thank you for using your gift for our pleasure. I miss Alma, and I hope she is surrounded by great conversation…and moss.

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Lovely journeu

I really enjoyed the journey through Alma’s life. Great philosophy for life. When life gives you lemons just get over it and onwards

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Most unusual topic

Elizabeth Gilbert never disappoints. The narrator also was perfect for the style and subject matter. This story and Alma Whitaker herself have left their mark upon me.

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Brilliant writing

This is definitely an unmissable story to experience. Engaging, wonderfully in depth with the human nature and the underlying recognition of our own thoughts and behaviours. I found myself hanging onto every word and fully engaged with every aspect of the story. Loved it.

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loved it. one of my favourites. rich and exqisitel

loved it. one of my favourites. rich and exquisitely crafted.
superb performance by narrator.

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